Russia’s Supreme Court has refused to cancel year-round 'summer time' in Russia, dismissing a petition by a number of public organizations to invalidate a government decree that had annulled the use of Daylight Savings Time in 2011.

After weighing testimony and examining the evidence submitted,
the Supreme Court found no reason to revert to using daylight
savings time, the Russian Agency of Legal Information reported.

The applicants, who cited the opinions of many doctors and
experts, claimed that the abolition two years ago was a mistake
that has allegedly had a negative impact on the health of the
Russian population, especially during winter months.

The idea of canceling the transition to seasonal time in Russia
was first voiced by then-President Dmitry Medvedev in 2009 during
his annual address to the Federal Assembly of Russia. It is
believed that the transition to seasonal time helps lower
electricity usage, but at the time Medvedev said that the benefits
of the practice are questionable, while the costs are
substantial.

On March 27, 2011, Russia moved its clock one hour ahead for the
last time. In explaining the government’s decision, Medvedev said
that the abolition of Daylight Savings Time will reduce stress and
disease.

Russia currently operates in a continuous 'summer time,'
permanently putting Moscow in the GMT +4 timezone. The reform was
met with some criticism, as it moved Russia another hour further
from Europe. The time difference between Russia and most European
countries is now three hours, instead of two, for a half of the
year.

Earlier in January, the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
requested the Russian government return to using Daylight Savings
Time, citing the television broadcast of the upcoming Sochi 2014
Winter Games. The IOC explained that returning to winter time would
be the most convenient option for both broadcasters and the
audience.

In February, the Russian government turned down the IOC's
request, calling it impractical.

"We’ll live in these conditions... And for now we’ll keep the
existing order," Prime Minister Medvedev said.

Before autumn 2011, Russia had used Daylight Savings Time for 30
years. At 3:00am on the last Sunday in October, residents moved
their clock one hour backwards. The clocks would then 'spring
forward' one hour ahead on the last Sunday in March.